The exhibition will showcase 50 artworks from Ukrainian students who are now refugees in Budapest, as well as the works of some Ukrainian photographers (Audrey Hor, Vladimir Bugaenko) and artists (Yulia Kolodko, Halyna Shevchuk, Olga Gre, Anastasia Marutina, Natalia Pustovit) who worked on the project with the children.



The exhibition is a result of the common project of Ukrainian Association Unity NGO and REAL School Budapest, who joined together to create Ukraine support initiatives (in partnership with IOM Hungary).

Have you been thinking that in our lives we often judge situations, people, events by the labels and stereotypes that already exist in the society? The aim of “Who Am I” exhibition is to make you ruin your stereotypes and ideas around the “refugee” word, and also to invite you to see deeper, behind the labels.

“I have never imagined that the kids will go that deeply into the topic and create such meaningful messages” - says Larysa Taranets, the project lead.



"Who Am I?" is a deeply thought-provoking exhibition that will offer visitors a unique insight into the experiences of those who have had to leave their homes and move to new countries. The exhibition features stunning artwork that is both raw and deeply personal, revealing the complex and often conflicting emotions experienced by those forced to flee their homes.

One of the paintings is by Sofia, a 9-year-old girl from Kharkiv, Ukraine. Her painting depicts her journey from Ukraine to Budapest, reflecting the challenges and struggles she and her family faced as refugees. Another painting, "Poppy," by refugee teacher Nataliia, reflects on the roots and connections that have been lost as a result of leaving one's home.

The exhibition will take visitors on a journey of self-discovery, encouraging them to remove labels and explore what lies within each of us. It poses questions such as "Who am I? What makes me me?" and "Will the answer to it bring happiness? And if I lose everything, will I remain me?" It invites visitors to explore the essence of identity, and the significance of home, family, and community.



The artworks on display are poignant and powerful, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of young refugees who have been forced to leave everything behind. Each painting has its own story and creation process, reflecting the complex emotions and experiences of the artists.

One special painting is a big Ukrainian flag, painted together by 200+ kids of different nationalities, representing the common intention for peace.

About the exhibition

The idea and topic of the project was born in the Autumn of 2022 while teaching the “Dream to Reality” methodology to Ukrainian refugee teachers by Dave Strudwick, then principal of REAL School Budapest. In the process of the training, the Ukrainian teachers picked up this idea because they thought it contained a great potential inside.

Actually, anyone in the world can experience being a stranger in a country. So, what is it that “makes me me”, if we have to start from scratch? What is that precious something that always stays with us? Ask yourself these questions while visiting the exhibition!

Don't miss this opportunity to see these unique and inspiring works of art. The exhibition is only open for three days, so make sure to mark your calendar for 28 February to 3 March. Visit the gallery from 2 pm to 7 pm to experience the depth of the experiences of these young, talented artists, and to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by refugees who have had to leave their homes behind.

Venue: Golden Duck Gallery
1092 Budapest, Ráday u. 31b.